Introducing Microsoft Places
As we continue adapting to the “new normal,” one thing is clear: Life as we knew it before the pandemic will not return.
Our research shows that employees want the best of both worlds:
- Over 70 percent of workers want flexible remote work options to continue,
- 66 percent of business decision makers are planning to redesign spaces to accommodate hybrid work options.
So where does this leave the traditional office? Its clear that the role off the office has changed but is your office equipped with technology that complements a hybrid work environment?
That’s where Microsoft Places come in.
“Microsoft Places helps everyone understand who will be in the office when; where people are sitting; what meetings to attend in person; and how to book space on the days your team is already planning to come in. It also helps leaders understand how people are using the office, and ultimately optimize their real estate investments. And third-party partners can build and integrate new and existing solutions on top of Microsoft Places.”
There are multiple functions to the Microsoft Places App:
- A dashboard view of which days people on the team will be in the office.
- A presence that will indicate people’s physical location (in office, remote, or mobile).
- The ability to see the workspaces other users have booked, so someone can book one nearby
- Insights and guidance on commuting and passing time, plus the ability to automatically schedule travel time.
- Wayfinding and navigation help within the office location.
- Insights and guidance on sentiment related to hybrid policies, so managers can implement best practices.
- Insights and guidance on space usage, so leaders can future-proof spaces and add flexibility to their real estate portfolio.
Lastly, Microsoft places will be integrated with the M365 solutions you use every day like Outlook, Teams, and Viva. Microsoft Places is due out early 2023.
